The Smart Card: A Standardized Security Device Dedicated to Public Cryptology

At first glance, a smart card appears to be simply an improved traditional credit card. But a smart card is in reality a multipurpose, tamper-resistant security device. Some consider it to be either the ultimate incorruptible cell resisting virus attacks or a fourth level in the hierarchy after the host computer, the departmental computer, and the personal computer. As a matter of fact, these two concepts are not exclusive.

Smart cards are already in widespread public use. Through this user-friendly technology, cryptology is invading our everyday life. This invasion has a large influence on security in various fields of applications, not only in banking, but also in the areas of health, pay television, telephone, home computers, data processing, communication network, and more generally, information technology.